Compassion International - Blog on Child Povertyhttp://blog.compassion.comReleasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.en-USFri, 31 Jul 2015 06:47:03 PDThttp://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3hourly139.004809-104.481741http://blog.compassion.comhttp://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/compassionspace/EnglishLogo_2C19881.pngCompassion logoCompassionBlogPostshttps://feedburner.google.comCompassion Internship: A Summer Well Spenthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/dIEmFz_hVCw/Employees and Culturecompassion internshipcompassion summer internDominican RepublicinternsinternshipKatie UngerFri, 31 Jul 2015 02:00:13 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=67860As a college student (or a fresh-out-of-college grad), there are a multitude of things you can do with your summer. You can travel, you can work, you can get an internship in practically anything… the list goes on and on.

Yet God hand-picked 23 people from all over the country to be right here. Here at the Compassion internship program – not only to gain top-notch experience, but to do work that makes a difference all over the world.

Twenty-three of us, strangers-turned-family, came together in response to God’s tug on each of our hearts.

So, here we are, our eyes wide and our hearts breaking as we drink in the gravity of the work we are doing, watching in awe as God aligns our skills and passions with the important cause of releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

We are learning so much, and God is shaping us in incredible ways as we put time and energy into our various jobs here.

But what, exactly, do we do? What does a day look like for an intern?

Instead of speaking for everybody, I’ll let a few of my fellow interns give you a glimpse behind the scenes of some different departments at Compassion.

Shelby Logan

Northwestern University, ILHuman Resources Talent Acquisition Intern

Working at Compassion is about doing high-quality work like you would in any corporation, but we get the honor to serve children around the world and keep Jesus at the center of each and every work day. We have the desire to put every minute to good use so we are not wasting resources that Compassion sponsored children need. Working in this environment has inspired me in so many ways.

As the Talent Acquisition Intern in Human Resources, I have had the opportunity to spend my time making the internship program better than it already is in preparation for the next cohort of students.

I launched a new intern Instagram, wrote job descriptions for all of our Spring Internship positions, worked with the creative team on new marketing materials, planned events to highlight our interns and much more. I love wearing different hats and gaining new skills in a variety of areas.

Most importantly, I have grown in the understanding of who I am in Christ and in trusting God with my future without trepidation or hesitation. This internship experience has fulfilled my wildest dreams and helped me to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone as I enter my last year of college and look toward the future.

Andrew Gott

Santa Fe University of Art and Design, NMVideo Specialist Intern

I am the Video Specialist Intern this summer and I absolutely love it. Throughout the summer, I have made a variety of different videos – everything from interview style documentaries to promotional videos and animations.

In addition to knowing programs like After Effects and Premiere, I also need to know how to shoot well and create a video all the way from concept to final product. My videos are mostly for internal use, to ensure that all the employees – here in the U.S. as well as our field countries – are on the same page.

It’s really encouraging knowing that even though I’m not literally seeing lives change on the field, the work I am doing here is making it all possible out there in other countries!

I am also continually encouraged by the work environment here. I’m expected to do my work, and do it well, but at the same time my group loves to collaborate and spend time with one another. I know that my co-workers genuinely care about me. It has really encouraged me to do good work here at a company that cares so much about me as a person.

Jake Dahlberg

Georgia Southern University, GAIT Service Management Intern

This summer, I needed a professional internship. Not only was this required for my degree, but I thought it would be incredibly beneficial to my future career.

In addition to needing a professional internship, I also wanted to spend my summer serving the Lord. After this experience, I’m not sure there’s a better place to do this than Compassion.

We kicked off our internship with a week in the Dominican Republic – one of the most meaningful weeks of my life. It was truly incredible to see how Compassion comes alongside the local church to engage and empower children.

As the IT Service Management Intern, I get to see the other side of this work. My job has been focused on keeping records in information technology databases accurate and up-to-date. I collaborate with all the teams in IT, audit our current information and compare it to what’s in production, and make changes in our records. This behind-the-scenes management ensures that the rest of the staff can focus on their role in releasing children from poverty rather than worry about the technology that supports it.

Being in the Dominican Republic and being in the office are completely different, but I learned how every aspect of Compassion works toward the same goal: releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. To be able to work a summer with such a goal and to think I that I had a part in even one child being released from poverty is something I’m incredibly thankful for.

Blake Hunter

Azusa Pacific Univeristy, CAChurch Engagement Intern

Coming into the internship at Compassion, I was curious how the transition from a scattered college schedule to an office job would look and feel. I had my reservations about sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week.

But as the weeks progressed, I began to realize more and more that this desk I am sitting in is actually a springboard for opportunity in and out of the office.

The opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic with the other interns provided context and greater understanding of what a significant role Compassion and the local church have in ending poverty.

Now, being in the office, I feel like I am making a difference in the world, even (and especially) when I am sitting at my desk.

As the Church Engagement Intern, I work with church partners and trips. Compassion often brings church leaders to visit Child Development Centers in order for them to see firsthand the program and its effectiveness with the local church partners. My job is to make these trips even better. I do this by collaborating and communicating with field country staff, church marketing staff, and church partners from all over the world so that every field office is prepared to facilitate a great church group trip.

I am blown away by the caliber of employees at this organization. Each individual I encounter offers words of wisdom, encouragement and excitement. The experience I have gained, people I have met, hundreds of acronyms I have learned, and passion I have fueled has made this one of the best summers of my life.

Emily Tichenor

Washington and Lee University School of Law, VALegal Intern

People often think of interns as “paper pushers”—only in the office to make copies and coffee. At Compassion, however, this image is far from the truth.

Here, interns engage in real, substantive work that empowers the ministry to release children from poverty. Right from the start, my supervisor tasked me with legal research and projects that allowed me to apply the skills I have developed in law school to address key issues facing the organization.

Although it may not always seem like reviewing contracts or drafting policy has an impact on sponsored children, I’ve learned how this behind-the-scenes work is critical to the mission of Compassion. I have had the privilege of working to protect, advise, and support Compassion in collaboration with the legal team and other departments, including Human Resources and Risk Management.

The staff made me feel like an integral part of the organization. I participated in department meetings, attended a legal conference for non-profit attorneys, and took the lead on projects.

Compassion trusts interns to do meaningful work with real impact on the organization, which I see as a reflection of the way God trusts and empowers us to do Kingdom work.

]]><p>Five summer interns share the highlights of their experience at Compassion and the impact of working to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.compassion.com/Account/login.htm">My Account</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=96738">Sponsor a Child</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm?referer=96738">Help Babies and Moms</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/where-we-work/crisis-updates.htm">Crisis Updates</a></p>http://blog.compassion.com/compassion-internship-a-summer-well-spent/feed/0http://blog.compassion.com/compassion-internship-a-summer-well-spent/How Do You Fight Human Trafficking?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/x3jzWab7Aqc/Children in PovertyJoin the CauseAlcides ValenzuelaBoliviaEmanuel Global Evangelical Churchhuman traffickingSanta CruzWorld Day Against Trafficking in HumansYapacaniWeb TeamTue, 28 Jul 2015 06:04:21 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=67864

“The girls are being forced to do things they don’t want to do. They were planning to take girls to other countries. I never thought they were going to release me; I even thought my family wasn’t doing anything. I didn’t think I was going to return home.”

These are the heartbreaking words of Daniela*, a sponsored teen girl who attends the Compassion Child Development Center at Emmanuel Global Evangelical Church in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, as she shares about her time in captivity last year.

Human Trafficking in Boliva

According to the Organization of American States (OAS), Bolivia is one of the countries with the most reported cases of human trafficking in South America, averaging 62 people a month.

The Vice Minister of Citizen Security in Bolivia points out that this statistic has increased tenfold since 2005 when only 35 cases were reported in one year.

Daniela, along with her father and four siblings, has been living in her grandmother’s house with 16 other people ever since her mother left seven years ago. The Yapacani province where they live is considered a red zone for human trafficking. Prostitution is one of their strongest industries.

And with a community that is 70% children and youth and a neighborhood of legal brothels nearby, young women like Daniela who come from broken families are at high risk for kidnapping for the trade.

No one knows the Yapacani community better than Emmanuel Global Evangelical Church who has partnered with us for 28 years. Pastor Alcides Valenzuela, who has served there for seven years, has found that the problems the sponsored children and teens face are abandonment, mistreatment, and physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.

And he’s found that it’s not enough to take proper precautions.

The Fight of One Church

“When we found out [Daniela] had been kidnapped, we started to mobilize along with her family. It wasn’t only her kidnapping but there were also threats to the family. And constant threats to other girls who were from the Child Development Center, so we had to act carefully and mobilize the authorities,” says Pastor Alcides.

“We reached the Vice Ministers, Ministers, Mayor, city councilors, and congressmen. We had to reach everyone, because if one doesn’t mobilize this way, there is no movement and nothing happens,” says the Pastor.

When Daniela didn’t appear, the church pressured all the different agencies and courts that they could and held a march in protest. They gathered on several occasions with the authorities from the town and different institutions.

Daniela not returning wasn’t an option for them.

Still nothing happened. So they sent a letter to a Vice Minister telling him that if in 72 hours Daniela didn’t appear, the community would start an undefined blockade.

It was this final pressure from the whole town that created the right kind of influence for officials to take action.

Almost a month after she was taken, Daniela was returned home.

Hope for a Future

Reflecting back on her kidnapping Daniela says, “I never thought I would go through that kind of situation. Only God knows why that happened. I didn’t know what to do or how to escape. I wasn’t the only one; there were other young girls too. They were from 8 to 10 years old and older.”

“If I hadn’t been part of Compassion, I would probably never have returned home, because they were praying for me. I’m very thankful for all the help they provided my family,” says Daniela.

Over a year since living through that nightmare, Daniela is now 19 years old and planning for her future. She plans to study biochemistry and to one day own her own pharmacy.

But there are still days that she doesn’t want to go outside. Threats of further kidnappings amongst her friends still exist.

Gratefully, through the church, she is receiving the support of a psychologist and Pastor Alcides, who is helping her understand the situation.

Continuing the Good Fight

Pastor Alcides and the church are now recognized by the authorities for all the work they are doing for children and youth — not only for the sponsored ones but for the whole community. Even still, Pastor Alcides has received death threats.

“Thanks to the Lord, today we have the recognition of the authorities, means of communication, and I have been nominated the Spiritual Authority of Yapacani,” says Pastor Alcides.

This is a difficult situation that we hear of every day in Bolivia. Boys, girls, teenagers, young men and women disappear every day. Thanks to God for this committed church that is fighting for the youth of their community and who did absolutely everything within their power to help Daniela be released and now be restored.

Original story and photos by Galia Oropeza, Bolivia Field Communications Specialist

*Name changed for privacy

There are many organizations who are doing incredible work to fight human trafficking. But how can you fight it?

When you sponsor an at-risk child like Daniela, you’re not only investing in his or her future, you are partnering with a local church like Emmanuel Global Evangelical Church.

A church who knows the needs of its community. A church who is willing to fight on the front lines for the rights and protection of the children there…one child at a time.

When you walk into a Compassion program at any of our local church partners in any of the 26 countries where we are privileged to work, you will find the same holistic program being implemented.

But you don’t have to take my word for it….

When this group of nine Alumni sat down to visit with one another, most having just met that day, they shared so many common experiences of the Compassion program even though they were from all over the world – India, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Peru, Kenya, and Philippines.

Listen in, and maybe even go back and watch all of the videos in the Conversations with Alumni series, because you’ll hear how across various cultures, poverty contexts, and countries the investment you’re making into the life of a child is real.

You’ll see and hear proof that child development through sponsorship works.

Enjoy this final glimpse into the shared experiences of the program that became favorite memories – life-changing realities even – of these alumni…

MEET THE ALUMNI

Moses Ashaba studied law in Uganda, and went on to get his Master’s in Law from Temple University in Philadelphia. After growing up with a single mom and seven brothers and sisters in Uganda, this is a huge accomplishment. Especially considering he and his siblings were constantly turned away from schools and had to travel from place to place attempting to gain an education. But Moses says Compassion put him on a new path.

Philadelphia, PA is currently home to Moses and his wife, Christy. He hopes to use his law degree to work toward restoring peace, eradicating injustice and protecting human rights within his community and around the world.

Being sponsored through Compassion made it possible for Keewani to receive an education and a university degree, which released her from the poverty she grew up in. With a genuine heart for people and a strong desire to provide help and healing, Keewani Vallejo Cook thrives in her work as a physical therapist.

Keewani and her husband, Terry (who is an incredible chef), live in Dallas, Texas. She plans to pursue further studies and earn a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, and dreams of developing a foundation that enables Filipino therapists to pour back into their country.

As an alumna of the Compassion program, Keewani partners with us in various ways advocating for children to be released from poverty in Jesus’ name. She loves to inspire young people and adults to grow in their relationships with the Lord.

At the beginning of this six-week series, we welcomed you to the future. We hope you remember that building that future through child development takes time.

The alumni you see in these videos were once young children that only wrote simple letters to their sponsors. Your investment is for the long haul. Thank you for partnering with us and believing in the future of child!

]]><p>In this final video of our six part series, you'll hear proof that across various cultures, poverty contexts, and countries the investment you’re making into the life of a child is real.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.compassion.com/Account/login.htm">My Account</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=96738">Sponsor a Child</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm?referer=96738">Help Babies and Moms</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/where-we-work/crisis-updates.htm">Crisis Updates</a></p>http://blog.compassion.com/conversations-with-alumni-proof-thats-real/feed/0http://blog.compassion.com/conversations-with-alumni-proof-thats-real/I Am One Lifehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/q1BJ_EZrVBI/Join the CauseInstagramKensiRelease3Web TeamFri, 24 Jul 2015 02:04:00 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=67840A few months ago, we saw a picture on Instagram that made us very excited (and yes, we do look when you tag us!). A sponsor named Kensi had posted a picture of herself holding a thank you note to a friend who sponsored a child through Release3. Her joy was evident, and we immediately thought, “That girl should tell her story!” Here’s Kensi’s Release3 story in her own words!

Since I became a sponsor nearly six years ago, I’ve shared the life of my sponsored child, Immaculate, with those I love. I even displayed a picture of her at my wedding to symbolize just how important she is to me.

I wanted to be a sponsor for years before I could commit financially. In high school and early college, I would look at all the pictures on Compassion’s Web site and pray for the children. I dreamed of the day when I could call one of them mine and feel the joy of a new beginning.

When my day finally came with my first steady job, I instantly fell in love with my ray-of-sunshine, Immaculate. As our letters to each other began, my heart was quickly warmed when she started to address me as “Mum” in her writing. I was completely honored for her to voluntarily give me such a loving title.

My relationship with Immaculate was not something I wanted to keep quiet. I wanted, no, needed, others to know about Compassion. I wanted them to hear of this amazing opportunity to not only change a child’s life but to spiritually and emotionally enrich their own lives.

And that’s what drew me to Release3. It was a way for me to reach out to others about my goal of getting children sponsored by simply being genuine and personal with those around me.

I shared profiles of three waiting children on my social media accounts throughout Release3. I posted their pictures along with their names, home countries, birthdays and activities. I wanted people to think of the actual lives involved not just a button on a computer screen.

I wanted them to visualize and connect with the need of these children.

A lifelong friend of mine, Stacy, gave me the most uplifting news during Release3. She shared with me that she officially became a sponsor of a sweet little girl named Felicite.

My eyes instantly swelled with tears. I snapped a picture with a “thank-you” sign and my very real expression of awe and gratitude. The truth is, my tears had so much within them.

I felt so many things. The biggest, next to excitement, was responsibility.

I am one life. I am stay-at-home mother, artist and a U.S. Coast Guard wife. I am not a well-known community figure, and I probably won’t ever have thousands of followers on my Instagram or Facebook accounts. I stumble in the spotlight!

Through this challenge, I felt what it meant to connect a sponsor to a child. It’s something I will always remember, and it’s something I hope to be a part of again.

We are the links between waiting children and their new sponsors. We cannot forget how powerful our words, actions and callings can be. May we never lessen or devalue our efforts, and may we keep fighting for the lives of children around the world.

]]><p>I am one life. I am not a well-known community figure. But through the Release3 challenge, I was the link between waiting children in poverty and their new sponsors.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.compassion.com/Account/login.htm">My Account</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=96738">Sponsor a Child</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm?referer=96738">Help Babies and Moms</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/where-we-work/crisis-updates.htm">Crisis Updates</a></p>http://blog.compassion.com/i-am-one-life/feed/2http://blog.compassion.com/i-am-one-life/Conversations with Alumni: What’s for Dinner? [VIDEO]http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/m7g7MOq4tO8/Child SponsorshipLeadership DevelopmentMultimediaalumniconversations with alumnidinnerfoodgraduategraduatesmealsphysical developmentsnacksMaggie TurnerMon, 20 Jul 2015 02:00:00 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=66952“What’s for dinner?”

It was the first question that popped out of your mouth when you got home from school as a kid. You secretly hoped for something different than last night and if you were lucky….you got your favorite meal!

Although my family had a short season of eating red beans and rice (Louisiana girl here!), for most of our dinners, I still had other things for breakfast and lunch. Most of my life, I had access to all sorts of food and snacks.

The story is very different for children in our program. Our local church partners reach out and enroll those in the most need. And sometimes that means little ones who may not have enough food for even one meal, let alone three meals a day.

When you invest in the life of a child, you partner with us and the local church in their holistic development. The most basic part of a child’s development is their physical body.

Providing a well-balanced meal or snack when they attend the program is just the start of addressing their physical development, but this start is critical.

What child who is hungry can focus on schoolwork, learn basic hygiene, or hear that Jesus loves them?

This week in our special video blog series, Conversations with Alumni, listen in as the alumni, from six different countries, talk about their similar feelings about “what’s for dinner” and their experiences being provided food at the Compassion program…

MEET THE ALUMNI

In this special series, we’re getting a glimpse into the shared experiences of Compassion alumni (graduates of our child sponsorship development program) who grew up in various countries around the world…and where they are now.

Meet Cecilia and Satish…

After Cecilia obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Science-Physics from the University of Nairobi, she went on to get diplomas in Basic Physics and Earth System Physics from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy.

Currently, Cecilia is pursuing a PhD in Earth Sciences-Geophysics at the Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University of Memphis in Tennessee.

During her time at the University of Nairobi, Cecilia co-founded two physics associations (one specifically for women physicists) along with speaking to girls in Compassion projects, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

As an alumna of the Compassion program, she partners with us in various ways advocating for children to be released from poverty in Jesus’ name. Cecilia says her story is one of “hope, courage, and the knowledge that it’s not over until God says it’s over.”

Satish Kumar received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in 2011 and went on to work for IBM. Last year he completed a year-long Fellowship in Project Management at Compassion International’s Global Ministry Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During his time in the U.S. he partnered with us and advocated for children in poverty by sharing his own story of release in Jesus’ name!

He has since returned home to India and married Monish, who is also a Compassion alumna. He now works for the Bangalore City Mission as the business development manager. On the side, Satish continues to run his event management company, Happy Planet, a business venture he started in 2011.

In next week’s Conversations with Alumni, meet some more of the alumni featured in this series and hear some of their favorite memories!

]]><p>Even though they come from six different countries, Compassion Alumni share their common experiences with food and reminisce about how the program helped meet their physical needs.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.compassion.com/Account/login.htm">My Account</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=96738">Sponsor a Child</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm?referer=96738">Help Babies and Moms</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/where-we-work/crisis-updates.htm">Crisis Updates</a></p>http://blog.compassion.com/whats-for-dinner/feed/0http://blog.compassion.com/whats-for-dinner/Nothing But Trusthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/YS-HAkJd0ww/Child SponsorshipEmployees and CultureAmaury Hernandez de Jesus de LeonCentral Americacompassion summer internDominican RepublicJulie WillianPadre Las CasastrustWeb TeamThu, 16 Jul 2015 02:00:00 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=67602Her arms were fastened tight around my neck, her forehead snuggled in my hair. What an embrace Maia gave me when she was told that I was her Compassion Sponsor! At only four years old, she knew what it meant to have a sponsor, and she was overwhelmed.

Little did she know this big moment in her life was a moment that I, too, will carry in my heart for years to come.

She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. We called her Princesa Maia for the rest of the day as she shyly smiled at us in her soft pink dress.

Together we twirled and played. Her favorite place was the tire swing, where she laid her head back, closed her eyes and sang. Her spirit was radiant.

After lunch, I had the opportunity to visit Maia’s home and meet her family. It was almost surreal to walk the route she takes to and from Amaury Hernandez de Jesus de Leon, her local church, and sit next to her in her own home.

Her father, Raphael, built every inch of their cinder block house with his own two hands. He is very present in her life which isn’t always the case for families living in Maia’s neighborhood.

Raphael spoke of his wife who lives in Santo Domingo to maintain her job and help pay for their basic needs. She comes to see Maia, Maia’s sister and their father for a few days every two months.

Through it all, I could tell that Raphael leads his family by trusting God to provide. We could all feel the nearness of God in their home.

Maia and Julie with Maia’s grandmother, sister and father

We soon discovered that Maia loves to sing.

“Will you sing for us?” we asked.

She nodded her head as her father reached for his guitar. Raphael picked the tune while Maia sweetly sang the melody. Raphael’s face was glowing as he watched his daughter sing.

My heart was in awe as I stepped back and observed God’s story unfold in this moment. I never wanted it to end. It was a glimpse of heaven: a daughter singing and her father delighting in her.

Before we left, Maia hugged me and I held her tight in my arms once more.

Raphael asked that we would pray that on the mountaintop or in the valley they would trust that God is good.

The next day we toured the Compassion Child Development Center in Maia’s neighborhood. The leaders of the Child Development Sponsorship Program (CDSP) explained how the curriculum and the tutors help the children, how letters make a huge impact in their lives, and how these children are provided with food, school supplies and most importantly, lessons about Jesus Christ.

This was one of the highlights of our intern trip – we saw firsthand that holistic child development really works.

Maia is in poverty, but that isn’t the full story.

As I left that day, I was overwhelmed but not with sadness. I was overwhelmed with joy because I was leaving Maia with complete trust.

I’ve seen the tireless, sacrificial dedication of the Compassion staff in the DR.

I’ve seen how helpful it is for the church to provide Maia with food, medical assistance and school supplies.

I’ve seen Compassion in action, and I can leave with nothing but trust. I trust completely that she is in good hands because her church is empowered to come alongside her as she grows.

I pushed Maia on the swing one more time before we left the center and we sang back and forth this sweet song:

“Gloria a Dios, aleluya!” (Glory to God, hallelujah!)

Julie Willian is the Field Media Intern – one of the 23 summer Internships at Compassion International. A Kentucky native, Julie is a senior at Morehead State University where she studies Graphic Design and Photography.

As part of their summer experience, the interns had the opportunity to go on a trip to the Dominican Republic and visit a number of Child Development Centers in the country. Some, like Julie, even got to sponsor a child at these centers.

]]><p>Why should you trust Compassion International with the child you sponsor? Summer Intern Julie Willian shares her journey of first-time sponsorship. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.compassion.com/Account/login.htm">My Account</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=96738">Sponsor a Child</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm?referer=96738">Help Babies and Moms</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/where-we-work/crisis-updates.htm">Crisis Updates</a></p>http://blog.compassion.com/nothing-but-trust/feed/1http://blog.compassion.com/nothing-but-trust/Conversations with Alumni: What if I Don’t Write My Sponsored Child? [VIDEO]http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/8ORURQYfHvg/Leadership DevelopmentLetter WritingMultimediaalumniconversations with alumnigraduategraduatesletter writingMaria Momojara DiamondOlive Akullosponsor lettersvideoMaggie TurnerMon, 13 Jul 2015 02:00:00 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=66954Here on the blog, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of letter writing and how much your words have power in the life of the child or teen you sponsor.

And we’ve talked about how, sometimes, it’s the absence of words that has power too… leaving questions like:

Am I thought of?

Why did they choose me?

Who is the person who has invested in my life?

When you choose to invest in the life of a child through sponsorship, beyond giving money, you also get the opportunity to be involved in their lives. And it is equally important to let them be involved in yours!

There are many ways you can do so, from sending letters, stickers, pictures and birthday cards to sending gifts or even taking a trip to visit him or her.

This investment in relationship with your sponsored child is where the alumni and research consistently says the lasting difference was made in changing their story!

This week in our special video blog series, Conversations with Alumni, hear a candid conversation between alumni about their sponsors’ level of involvement in their lives.

You might catch a glimpse of what your own sponsored child might think if you don’t write. And you’ll find that no matter the level of involvement you choose, they do still know that you care.

MEET THE ALUMNI

In this special series, we’re getting a glimpse into the shared experiences of Compassion alumni (graduates of our child sponsorship development program) who grew up in various countries around the world…and where they are now.

Meet Olive and Maria…

Olive Akullo has always been active in her community speaking up for those less fortunate. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Uganda, she went on to Denver Seminary, located in Colorado, where she got her Masters degree in Professional Leadership.She and her husband, Moses, married in 2014 and currently live in Uganda.

As an alumna of the Compassion program, she partnered with us during her time in the U.S. to share her story of release from poverty in Jesus’ name. Olive treasures the times spent speaking, she loves advocacy, and believes that she will always advocate for Children and everyone who is disadvantaged because it runs in her blood. (She still finds time to switch shoes with friends!)

After receiving a partial scholarship through Compassion in order to study English following High School, Maria Momojara Diamond later became an interpreter and translator for missionaries in her church as well as for the Compassion Peru office. She longs to see Peru overcome poverty and she is committed to letting children know that Jesus loves them and that He has a plan for their lives.

Maria and her husband, Paul, along with their adorable, almost 8 month old, Alani, live in Maryland. In addition to the joy and fulfillment found in her newfound role as mom, she continues to find time to advocate for children in poverty through partnership with Compassion by sharing her own story of release in Jesus’ name!

In next week’s Conversations with Alumni, meet some more of the alumni featured in this series and listen in on their experience with food!

That sounds like a crazy amount, but let’s be honest, apps can make life easier, teach us new things, keep us connected to news, and entertain us.

And with 1.5 million apps available for smartphones, there are bound to be a few that will help us better connect with our little loved ones across the world.

Now that you can easily write to the child or youth you sponsor from our new app, for our Second Friday Letter Writing Club this month, we want to help you get creative with your communications by using that little computer you carry with you.

We selected these with the sole purpose to help you better connect and encourage the precious one you’ve chosen to invest in.

Here are 5 awesome apps to help your letter writing!

1. Bible

Did your child mention a Bible story in their last letter? Do you have a favorite verse that inspires you? Use the YouVersion Bible app to quickly look up and even share verses.

By tapping a verse in the app, you can choose a background and save it as an image. Then, upload it to your Compassion app and share this image with the child you sponsor.

2. Google Translate

What language does your sponsored child speak? The Google Translate app will help you learn some basic phrases in their language, like “hello,” “thank you,” or even animal and food names.

You can also take a photo of any word using your phone and it will translate the word for you! But don’t worry, your letters are still translated for you by our experts. There are simply some things that still need a human touch.

3. Aviary

Sending beautiful photos just got easier – Aviary is a photo editing app that allows you to edit and save your images. Choose from filters, touch-up tools, picture frames, or even add text on top of an image.

So not only can you send a glimpse into your family and world, you can add some encouraging words or scripture to create a memorable graphic image.

4. Drawing Desk

Do your kids love drawing special artwork for their sponsored brother or sister across the world? Download the Drawing Desk and let your kiddos create a special picture to send in your family’s next letter.

This app features four settings – photo desk, doodle desk, kids desk and sketch desk – allowing you endless options to create your own doodles and artwork. Save the image to your phone and then upload it to your letter.

5. World Countries

What better way to connect than to step out of your own little world for awhile to discover the bigger world out there? Broaden your knowledge about the countries in which we serve and dive into learning about where your child lives.

Take the quizzes to check your knowledge and teach your own kiddos about God’s diverse creation.

Remember when you write from the Compassion app (available for iOS and Android), we print the letters and pictures and give them to the kids. They get to physically hold them and keep them as reminders that you love and care for them.

]]><p>Writing the child you sponsor from the Compassion app just got easier and more fun with these awesome apps!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.compassion.com/Account/login.htm">My Account</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=96738">Sponsor a Child</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm?referer=96738">Help Babies and Moms</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/where-we-work/crisis-updates.htm">Crisis Updates</a></p>http://blog.compassion.com/5-awesome-apps-to-help-your-letter-writing/feed/0http://blog.compassion.com/5-awesome-apps-to-help-your-letter-writing/Conversations with Alumni: What Not To Wear [VIDEO]http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/x_DMUeSFifk/Leadership DevelopmentMultimediaalumniclothingconversations with alumnigraduategraduatesNjenga MainaSamuel OrlandouniformsMaggie TurnerMon, 06 Jul 2015 07:30:00 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=66956I hate shopping, and by hate, I mean loathe entirely! However, I have this dear friend that I’ll invite (beg, drag) to come along for the tedious task of picking out a new work outfit or dress for an upcoming event. She makes a huge difference in the whole experience, AND most importantly, she helps me know what not to wear.

When I find clothing that makes me look and feel sharp, it helps me carry myself with more confidence. Don’t you feel better when you’re wearing a nice outfit for that important work meeting, evening outing, or special occasion?

The children enrolled in our programs are no different!

Having the right uniform, new outfit or that brand, spanking new t-shirt to wear can make a child feel so proud! Which in turn contributes to building their self-confidence.

What joy and pride comes across a child’s face (and sinks into their heart) when they get the uniform they need for school or their very own special t-shirt to wear at the Compassion center.

In this third video of our six-part special video blog series, Conversations with Alumni, step into the memories of some of our alumni and hear how much pride they took in having just the right outfit to wear.

MEET THE ALUMNI

All of the incredible folks in this video are graduates from our child development program at their local church.

And in this series, we’re getting a glimpse into their shared experiences growing up in their various countries around the world…and where they are now.

Meet Njenga and Samuel…

Daniel “Njega” Maina returned to Kenya in 2014 after receiving his Masters in Intercultural and Urban Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. He currently works as a freelance consultant serving a variety of non-profits in Kenya.

When he is not busy being the local tour guide to the latest group of visitors to his home of Nairobi, Kenya, he is volunteering in his local church. He is passionate about local church ministry and church planting in particular.

Also, as an entrepreneur he is constantly pursuing opportunities that not only are good business but also benefit the local community. As an alumnus of the Compassion program, he has partnered with us in various ways sharing her story of release from poverty in Jesus’ name.

In 2006, Samuel Orlando Polanco moved to Florida where he pursued his Bachelor of Arts in Music Recording and Production. He went on to record his own albums as well as produce and edit a variety of others.

Samuel still resides in Tampa, FL with his beautiful wife, Carol, and his two children Sanniel and Emmie. He founded the organization, EvangeMusic, that does yearly outreach to his home country of Dominican Republic.

As an alumnus of the Compassion program, Samuel partnered with us for a number of years, and now he works full-time with our Church Relations Team, developing relationships with local churches in the U.S. and helping them partner with us in their mission.

In next week’s Conversations with Alumni, meet some more of the alumni featured in this series and hear just how powerful words can be!

]]><p>These alumni didn't have to worry about what not to wear when they were in the Compassion program. Listen in on their favorite memories about the clothes from their childhood.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.compassion.com/Account/login.htm">My Account</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=96738">Sponsor a Child</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm?referer=96738">Help Babies and Moms</a> l <a href="http://www.compassion.com/where-we-work/crisis-updates.htm">Crisis Updates</a></p>http://blog.compassion.com/conversations-with-alumni-what-not-to-wear/feed/0http://blog.compassion.com/conversations-with-alumni-what-not-to-wear/Compassion Prepares for the Children of North Koreahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CompassionBlogPosts/~3/Qb4hfa305-M/AdvocacyIn the NewsCompassion KoreaGlobal AdvocacyMERSNorth KoreaNorth Korea Ministry SummitSeoulSouth KoreaRuss DebenportThu, 02 Jul 2015 02:00:37 PDThttp://blog.compassion.com/?p=67514While most of Seoul stayed away from public gatherings during the recent MERS outbreak, 1,100 church leaders representing 163 churches from across the peninsula of South Korea came together to prepare their hearts and minds for the day when they can directly serve the children of North Korea.

Stepping into the large conference hall for the recent North Korea Ministry Summit (June 8 & 9) was an act of courage itself – a foreshadowing of the courage needed to some day minister to the children of North Korea.

According to a January 2014 report published by the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRC or North Korea) practices systematic gross human rights violations and is one of the most repressive environments in the world.

The North Korea Ministry Summit, hosted by Compassion Korea in partnership with Compassion Global Advocacy, was designed to both raise awareness of the needs of children in North Korea while also mobilizing the Korean Church to be equipped to practically help children when their neighbors to the north can be reached.

Topics covered during the two-day summit included: holistic child development and curriculum, theological foundations of poverty alleviation, effective church and community partnership and research on the state of children in North Korea. We also heard from several North Korean defectors to understand their story and learn what it will take to reach out directly to children there.

But more impressive than the well-researched lectures and inspiring workshops was a pervasive sense of humility and love for their neighbors (and enemies) in North Korea. Scriptures like “love your enemies” and “always be ready” take on new meaning when discussing North Korea.

And I expect great things from the Korean church because they are already demonstrating great reliance on our Father, who loves the children of North Korea relentlessly.

Compassion wants to be ready, but this could look different than any other child development work we’ve ever encountered in our 65 years.

Imagine driving two hours north to personally visit the child you sponsor. What would that type of sponsorship relationship look like?

Or how can we do child development that’s church-based when there aren’t any visibly organized churches, only secret Christians? There is evidence that many North Koreans have preserved their faith through several generations of oppression. I have spoken with child defectors who have heard of Jesus through their parents in secret.

These are the kinds of questions that the North Korea Readiness Team is working on now. We believe we need to be ready, not surprised.

And we are not alone.

There are already 200 Korean churches both in South Korea and abroad who are working with us to resolve these obstacles and develop creative solutions to reach the most oppressed in North Korea.

May God find us ready when the opportunity to serve children in North Korea comes.

And may it come soon.

Will you join us in preparing our hearts and minds? Please join us in prayer. If you speak Korean, you can join the prayer movement to stay connected and be a part.

]]><p>What would child development look like in North Korea? 1,100 church leaders from 163 churches met in South Korea at the recent Compassion North Korea Ministry Summit to begin to answer this question. </p>
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